South Central Omaha - Omaha, NE

South Central Omaha’s strong ethnic roots trace back to the neighborhood’s growth at the end of the 1800s. With the continuation of the nation’s railroads, Omaha became the gateway to the West and drew thousands of immigrants seeking work in its lumber, transport and brewing industries. So many first and second generations relocated here that at one point, the neighborhood contained a Little Italy and second Prague.

Examine the local art scene at Glass Harmony Gallery or enjoy a dance performance by the Heartland Conservatory of Dance. Aksarben Cinema sells alcohol and cheap tickets before noon. Village Canvas and Cabernet also combines entertainment and beverages with painting courses – it includes a drink with the cost of the lesson and equipment.

The annual Omaha Beer Festival draws residents into Stinson Park in Aksarben Village for 50-plus breweries, Beer Academy sessions, food vendors and live music.

Remnants of South Central’s immigrant influx flash from the signs of ethnic restaurants: German, Middle Eastern, Latin American, Italian, Korean, Mexican and Vietnamese. The majority of dining options line Pacific, L and 72nd Streets.

Even traditional American fare finds a stronghold in this neighborhood. At the Drover, patrons transport back to a '70s-era steakhouse with dark, wooden decor and a meaty menu. Though plates cost between $30 to $40, a full meal includes bread, a choice of side and a trip to the salad bar. Residents rave about the whiskey marinade.

South Central also boasts one of the city’s best vegan restaurants, Modern Love. Higher prices promise fresh and hard-to-find supplementary ingredients. Try the Mac and Shews with cashews or the Seitan skewars, or purchase the chef’s cookbook to attempt your own meatless meals at home. Reservations are highly recommended.

Find a more casual style of dining at El Basha Grill, a Middle Eastern kitchen. Order classics such as chicken shwarma wraps and lamb kebabs at the counter, then seat yourself — if space is available in this busy place. Dining with a group? Try the mezze plates, and share a hookah on the outdoor patio.

Local drinking haunts include the Redeye Tavern & Grill, which kicks off for Friday's cheap beers and free chips and salsa. Live music accompanies your pints at Chrome and O’Leavers Pub. Liv Lounge attracts a college-age crowd for cocktails and Thursday trivia nights while Interlude Cocktail Lounge draws in an eclectic gathering of regulars with its stiff drinks, cozy seats and '80s records.

Buses form Omaha Metro’s only public transportation system, which runs between downtown and 180th Street, and the city's north-south limits, Highway 370 and Interstate 680. Seven routes service the neighborhood: 15/55 follows Center Street from Bergen Mercy Hospital to Downtown, while 93, 94, 96 and 97 follow Interstate 80 to connect residents with the outer neighborhoods of West Omaha, Bellevue, Papillion and Bellevue. Busses run about every 30 minutes.

Though South Central is laced with key roadways, such as Center, L and Pacific Streets, Interstate 80 provides the quickest access to city center. A 12-minute drive on I-80 East drops residents in the Old Market; or, continue along the interstate and escape the city within 20 minutes.

While parking at newer shopping centers poses no issue due to large lots, many of the neighborhood’s older restaurants and stores provide only a few small spaces for vehicles. Avoid the hassle with South Central’s Happy Cab Dispatch. Uber is a service that operates in the city using a mobile app.

Though the neighborhood has no official bike lanes, cyclists utilize wide, paved shoulders on Center Street and a designated bicycle route along Aksarben Drive. Most of Aksarben-Elmwood Park’s roads are considered “survivable” by local pedestrians and cyclists. The Aksarben Route, part of Bike Omaha Pilot Network, takes cyclists through the neighborhood from the Old Market to Bergan Mercy Hospital.

South Central Omaha’s biggest park, Elmwood Park, began as a chunk of land set aside in 1889 to create a natural escape for Omaha’s working masses. Today, it includes an 18-hole golf course and swimming pool, though the park’s historic pavilion remains in its original position. Wander or cycle down the trails that cross Elmwood’s 216 acres, or just relax over a picnic lunch. Dogs are allowed off-leash in designated areas.

Elmwood hosts the annual Creighton Prep Cross Country Race. Its lawn has been the stage for Nebraska Shakespeare’s summer Shakespeare On The Green theatre performances since the 1980s.

Aksarben Village’s Stinson Park, though smaller than Elmwood, hosts year-round entertainment for neighborhood residents. Paid events include the Whiskey and Cocktail Fest, ArtSarBen arts festival and the home-grown music festival, Maha. Stop by free events such as weekend concerts and morning yoga classes, too.

In addition to Elmwood Park’s biking and walking paths, passionate cyclists enjoy the Keystone Trail. This maintained route runs from North 90th Street, through South Central Omaha and connects with the West Papio Trail, on to Bellevue.

The cost of living in South Central Omaha is about 2.5 percent higher than the average cost of living in Omaha. This disparity affects renting prices, which are $200-plus more expensive here than in other parts of the city. Expect to pay roughly $652 for a one-bedroom unit rental.

From any stop along the neighborhood’s Metro routes, a one-way bus ticket costs $1.75. Opt to drive and pay 1 percent less than the national average cost of fuel. Pop into the pub for a pint of beer and pay $4 to $6; splurge on a mixed drink and spend $8 to $10.

Central Omaha may brag of national chain stores and outlets, but South Central happily trades these for independent venues, which retain a strong customer base here. Because residents can pop north of Pacific St. for generic goods, they appreciate the locally owned and specialty items within their own neighborhood. Main shopping districts center around Pacific and 72nd Streets. The Bookworm treats customers to an extensive selection of books, with staff literary knowledge to match. You pay more for texts, but can bring kids and dogs into this independent retailer. Frequent book signings and a frequent flier discount program appeal to avid readers. At Husker Hounds, fans of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers football team deck out their home, and themselves, in themed gear and apparel. Dig through the clearance racks for extra bargains, or visit their online catalog. Residents buy groceries at regional chains Baker's and HyVee. Local grocer Green Land Market offers a selection of Middle Eastern jarred, canned and frozen goods. Though its location in a strip mall makes it easy to miss, Green Land's made-to-order meals are worth a visit. If you prefer to buy locally, stop by the Omaha Farmer's Market located on Center Street. The seasonal market runs late spring through early autumn, with a Holiday Market in December. Besides the expected fruit and vegetable produce, find homemade condiments, crafts, flowers and dairy products.